Lecture Notes: Abraham Abulafia and Prophetic Kabbalah
Introduction
13th-Century Kabbalah: Alongside the Kabbalah of the sefirot, another form developed, instigated by Abraham Abulafia, called the Kabbalah of names or Prophetic Kabbalah.
Abraham Abulafia: Born in Zaragoza in 1240. He traveled extensively, studied Kabbalah in Barcelona, and was deeply influenced by The Guide for the Perplexed. He separated his teachings from traditional Kabbalah by focusing on prophetic experiences and innovations.
Early Life and Education
Background: Born in Zaragoza, 1240. Father died when he was 18.
Education: Basic Jewish education - Bible, Mishnah, but not a part of Rabbinic tradition.
Influence: Deeply influenced by The Guide for the Perplexed by Maimonides. Immersed in books on Jewish philosophy and mysticism.
Kabbalistic Development
Learning Kabbalah: Studied Kabbalah in Barcelona around 1270. Influenced by the circle of Nachmanides.
Teacher: Mentored by Barukh Togarmi, a Kabbalah teacher.
Commentaries: Wrote on Sefer Yetzirah ("Book of Creation") and The Guide for the Perplexed. Embraced a mystical reading of texts.
Prophetic Experience
Prophetic Vision: Describes a vision in which God calls him "Abraham". Feels a sense of divine justice and a call to innovate in the "secret" theory beyond traditional doctrines.
Conflict with Tradition: Abulafia's prophetic claims put him at odds with traditional views that prophecy had ceased after the destruction of the Temple. His innovative approach to Kabbalah stirred controversy.
Polemic with Rashba
Rabbinic Opposition: Faced strong opposition, notably from Rashba (Rabbi Shlomo ibn Aderet), a kabbalist and rabbinic authority who denounced Abulafia's claims as heretical.
Criticism: Rashba criticized Abulafia's prophetic and messianic assertions and his unconventional Kabbalistic methods.
Later Life and Messianic Claims
Italy: Spent his later years in Italy, writing extensively on Kabbalah and teaching disciples.
Meeting the Pope: In 1280, attempted to meet Pope Nicholas III, viewing himself as a messianic figure. The Pope's death led to Abulafia's brief imprisonment and subsequent release.
Abulafia's Mystical Techniques
Goal: To "untie the knots of the seals" - liberating the mind from sensory limitations and expanding consciousness.
Language and Letters: Central to his meditation were Hebrew letters and their combinations, creating a unique linguistic mysticism.
Combinations and Music: Compared letter combinations to musical notes creating melodies, aiming for mental expansion and prophetic revelations.
Mystical Experiences
Initiation Process: Described a detailed process of initiation involving seclusion, meditation on letter combinations, and the resultant prophetic ecstasies.
Transformation: The initiation could lead to near-death experiences and profound mystical insights, embodying divine presence and wisdom.
Abulafia's Legacy
Prophetic Kabbalah: Established a movement centered on prophetic and ecstatic experiences, distinct from the commandment-driven Kabbalah of the sefirot.
Techniques: Emphasized non-normative techniques like letter combinations, meditations, and a focus on the divine name YHWH.
Controversy and Influence: His methods were controversial but influential, blending mysticism with linguistic meditation, leaving a lasting impact on Jewish mysticism.
Conclusion
Broader Impact: Abulafia's work represents an intersection of mysticism, language, and prophetic vision, offering a unique path within Jewish mystical tradition.